Article
Ecology
Nicole L. LaRoche, Sydney L. King, Emily A. Fergusson, Ginny L. Eckert, Heidi C. Pearson
Summary: The sea otter population in Southeast Alaska is growing at a faster rate compared to other regions, which can lead to conflicts with humans and impact fishing. This study aimed to examine and quantify the energy content of sea otter diets through direct observations and prey collection. The results showed that sea otters in newly recolonized areas had a higher energetic intake rate and prey with higher energy content.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Martin Tim Tinker, James L. Bodkin, Lizabeth Bowen, Brenda Ballachey, Gena Bentall, Alexander Burdin, Heather Coletti, George Esslinger, Brian B. Hatfield, Michael C. Kenner, Kimberly Kloecker, Brenda Konar, A. Keith Miles, Daniel H. Monson, Michael J. Murray, Benjamin P. Weitzman, James A. Estes
Summary: Sea otter populations in southwest Alaska significantly declined over the past 25 years, with densities dropping to around 5% of the environmental carrying capacity. The decline was primarily attributed to predation or other density-independent factors rather than nutritional limitation, disease, or environmental contaminants.
ECOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sergey D. Ryazanov, Sergey V. Fomin, Viktor V. Kalinchuk
Summary: This study aims to investigate mercury (Hg) levels in the sea otters in Russia and understand the impact of Hg contamination on different age and sex groups. The sea otters showed low risk levels of Hg contamination, and there were no significant differences in Hg levels during different population size stages. Hg concentrations were significantly higher in adult sea otters compared to young otters, and higher in males than females. This study provides the first data on Hg content in sea otters' fur and estimates of Hg contamination for the Commander Islands population.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominique Kone, M. Tim Tinker, Leigh G. Torres
Summary: The study found that there may be sufficient habitat available in Oregon to support a sea otter population, but further investigation and consideration of potential conflicts with current human activities are needed if plans for reintroduction continue.
ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Igor Popov, Alexey Scopin
Summary: Sea otters on Urup Island have faced population declines due to historical over hunting and illegal fur trade, despite some increase in numbers. Protection measures such as establishing conservation areas and reducing demand for sea otter fur are crucial for their conservation and survival.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Melissa A. Miller, Megan E. Moriarty, Padraig J. Duignan, Tanja S. Zabka, Erin Dodd, Francesca Batac, Colleen Young, Angelina Reed, Michael D. Harris, Katherine Greenwald, Raphael M. Kudela, Michael J. Murray, Frances M. D. Gulland, Peter E. Miller, Kendra Hayashi, Catherine T. Gunther-Harrington, Martin T. Tinker, Sharon Toy-Choutka
Summary: Domoic acid, a marine biotoxin, exerts harmful effects on marine organisms and southern sea otters. Research reveals various pathologies caused by domoic acid and its toxic effects at different stages. Common domoic acid-related pathologies are observed in southern sea otters, predominantly in the central nervous system and heart.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Melissa Ann Miller, Cara A. Newberry, Devinn M. Sinnott, Francesca Irene Batac, Katherine Greenwald, Angelina Reed, Colleen Young, Michael D. Harris, Andrea E. Packham, Karen Shapiro
Summary: From February 2020 to March 2022, four southern sea otters stranded in California with severe protozoal steatitis and systemic toxoplasmosis. The primary cause of death for all cases was toxoplasmosis with severe protozoal steatitis, which differs from previous reports of toxoplasmosis in sea otters. These otters were infected with an atypical and rare strain of T. gondii (COUG genotype), previously isolated from mountain lions. This finding raises concerns about potential health threats for other animals and humans due to the high zoonotic potential and the risk of infection through shared marine food resources.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kate Riordan, Nicole M. Thometz, Francesca Batac, Teri E. Nicholson, Heather E. M. Liwanag
Summary: During the evolution of marine mammals, fur has been replaced with blubber for most species, but sea otters still rely on their dense pelage for insulation. This study found that sea otters of all ages are vulnerable to the effects of oiling, and young otters are more susceptible. Body size and age play a more important role in the thermal abilities of sea otters than previously thought.
CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jessica R. Hale, Kristin L. Laidre, Steven J. Jeffries, Jonathan J. Scordino, Deanna Lynch, Ronald J. Jameson, M. Tim Tinker
Summary: Sea otter population in Washington State, USA, declined and eventually became extinct due to the maritime fur trade. Efforts have been made to restore the population by translocating sea otters from Alaska to the Washington coast. A study used a Bayesian state-space model to estimate the abundance and distribution of sea otters in Washington, and conducted sensitivity analysis to evaluate the factors influencing future population growth and range expansion.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kristin L. Brown, Shannon Atkinson, Christoff G. Furin, Franz J. Mueter, Robert Gerlach
Summary: This study analyzed the metal concentrations in Southeast Alaska sea otters, finding significant variations in concentration and biomagnification in certain tissues. Lead and arsenic were easily excreted, suggesting a possible route for detoxification. This research provides baseline data for monitoring the health of sea otters.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Daniel H. Monson, Rebecca L. Taylor, Grant Hilderbrand, Joy A. Erlenbach, Heather A. Coletti, Kimberly A. Kloecker, George G. Esslinger, James L. Bodkin
Summary: Sea otters were once extirpated due to the fur trade, but have since returned to the Katmai region of Alaska. Recent investigations found a higher proportion of prime-age sea otters in the population, prompting scientists to investigate the cause. The study discovered that brown bears, known predators of marine mammals, have a high success rate in preying on sea otters in Katmai.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Natasha K. Dudek, Alexandra D. Switzer, Elizabeth K. Costello, Michael J. Murray, Joseph A. Tomoleoni, Michelle M. Staedler, M. Tim Tinker, David A. Relman
Summary: This study characterized the microbiota of wild and captive southern sea otters, revealing differences between otter species and a majority of fecal DNA derived from prey. These findings highlight the unique gut microbiota of sea otters and its potential influence on their health and conservation.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Nicole L. LaRoche, Sydney L. King, Matthew C. Rogers, Ginny L. Eckert, Heidi C. Pearson
Summary: Two complementary approaches were used to assess year-round variation in the diet of sea otters around Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, revealing that their diet is dominated by clams with minimal seasonal or locational shifts. While there is individual-level variation in sea otter diets, driven possibly by behavioral differences, these findings provide valuable information for the future management and conservation of this protected species.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Shawn Larson, Roderick B. Gagne, Jim Bodkin, Michael J. Murray, Katherine Ralls, Lizabeth Bowen, Raphael Leblois, Sylvain Piry, Maria Cecilia Penedo, M. Tim Tinker, Holly B. Ernest
Summary: Sea otters were once abundant in the nearshore areas of the North Pacific, but the international maritime fur trade led to low genetic diversity in remnant populations. Genetic analysis using microsatellite markers revealed significant population structure between Northern and Southern sea otters, with successful reintroductions and growth enhancing connectivity and gene flow between populations. Future management actions for the Southern sea otter should focus on reintroductions to restore gene flow between isolated populations.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Tyler Shugg, Reynold C. Ly, Wilberforce Osei, Elizabeth J. Rowe, Caitlin A. Granfield, Ty C. Lynnes, Elizabeth B. Medeiros, Jennelle C. Hodge, Amy M. Breman, Bryan P. Schneider, S. Cenk Sahinalp, Ibrahim Numanagic, Benjamin A. Salisbury, Steven M. Bray, Ryan Ratcliff, Todd C. Skaar
Summary: This study assessed the accuracy of the Aldy computational method in extracting pharmacogenomics genotypes from whole genome sequencing (WGS) and whole exome sequencing (WES) data. The results showed that Aldy achieved over 99% accuracy in calling diplotypes for major pharmacogenes from both WGS and WES data, supporting its importance in clinical applications.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Lorelei Ford, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Thomas B. Waltzek, Paul R. Bowser, Larry Hanson
Summary: The study found that a virus cultured in the channel catfish ovary cell line matched the mitochondrial sequences of brown bullhead, rather than channel catfish. Further sequencing confirmed that all sources of the CCO cell line matched brown bullhead.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Thomas B. Waltzek, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Pedro H. O. Viadanna, Zachary S. Randall, Lawrence M. Page
Summary: The complete mitochondrial genome of the Jaguar Loach, Yasuhikotakia splendida, was determined to be 16,695 bp in length and displayed an A + T bias. Phylogenetic analyses supported its close relationship with the Skunk Loach, Y. morleti, based on aligned mitogenome sequences of related botiid loach species.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ole Nielsen, Thais C. S. Rodrigues, Vsevolod L. Popov, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Thomas B. Waltzek, Dyanna M. Lambourn, Stephen Raverty
Summary: A novel orthoreovirus species, Phocid orthoreovirus 1 (PhRV1), was identified in dead stranded harbor seals, highlighting the importance of further research on the prevalence, tissue tropism, transmission, pathogenicity, zoonotic potential, and host range of orthoreoviruses in pinnipeds to improve understanding of marine mammal health.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Erin K. Box, Christopher A. Cleveland, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Thomas B. Waltzek, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: This study collected tissue samples from 160 amphibians and two turtles in Chad, Africa, and detected ranavirus infection in 25 frogs and one turtle through PCR testing. Sequencing analysis revealed that the ranavirus detected in frogs in Chad is most similar to tiger frog virus (TFV), representing the first molecular confirmation of ranaviruses from Africa.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Austin C. Surphlis, Jennifer A. Dill-Okubo, Balazs Harrach, Thomas Waltzek, Kuttichantran Subramaniam
Summary: This article reports a study on an African grey parrot infected with psittacine adenovirus 2. Through genetic and phylogenetic analysis, the virus is classified as a novel species within the genus Siadenovirus.
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mark W. Cunningham, David P. Onorato, Katherine A. Sayler, Erin H. Leone, Kenneth J. Conley, Daniel G. Mead, Jo A. Crum Bradley, Roger K. Maes, Matti Kiupel, David B. Shindle, Samantha M. Wisely, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Annabel G. Wise, Bambi C. Clemons, Lara M. Cusack, Deborah Jansen, Paul Schueller, Felipe A. Hernandez, Thomas B. Waltzek
Summary: Feral swine is an important prey species for the Florida panther and a natural host for pseudorabies virus (PRV). This study suggests that PRV may be an important and underdiagnosed cause of death in Florida panthers.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Wendy Puryear, Kaitlin Sawatzki, Andrea Bogomolni, Nichola Hill, Alexa Foss, Iben Stokholm, Morten Tange Olsen, Ole Nielsen, Thomas Waltzek, Tracey Goldstein, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Thais Carneiro Santos Rodrigues, Manjunatha Belaganahalli, Lynda Doughty, Lisa Becker, Ashley Stokes, Misty Niemeyer, Allison Tuttle, Tracy Romano, Mainity Batista Linhares, Deborah Fauquier, Jonathan Runstadler
Summary: PDV is a morbillivirus circulating within pinnipeds in the North Atlantic, causing unusual mortality events in western Europe and the northwest Atlantic. The study provides evidence that PDV is endemic in northwest Atlantic pinnipeds, with continued circulation among multiple species.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Correction
Genetics & Heredity
Samantha A. Koda, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Deborah B. Pouder, Roy P. Yanong, Salvatore Frasca, Vsevolod L. Popov, Thomas B. Waltzek
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kristi L. West, Ilse Silva-Krott, Nelmarie Landrau-Giovannetti, Dave Rotstein, Jeremiah Saliki, Stephen Raverty, Ole Nielsen, Vsevolod L. Popov, Nicole Davis, William A. Walker, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Thomas B. Waltzek
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Khalid Shahin, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Alvin C. Camus, Zeinab Yazdi, Susan Yun, Samantha A. Koda, Thomas B. Waltzek, Felipe Pierezan, Ruixue Hu, Esteban Soto
Summary: The study describes an epizootic in tilapia fingerlings in Southern California, USA, and reports the discovery of a novel megalocytivirus associated with the mortalities. The disease in the affected fish presented various systemic symptoms and organ lesions.
Article
Microbiology
Cody R. K. Conrad, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, V. Gregory Chinchar, Thomas B. Waltzek
Summary: Two identical ranavirus isolates were recovered in California in 1996 during a wildlife disease investigation. Further analysis revealed that they are a single strain of frog virus 3.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Natalie K. Stilwell, Salvatore Frasca, Lisa L. Farina, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Kamonchai Imnoi, Pedro H. Viadanna, Lacey Hopper, Jeffrey Powell, James Colee, Thomas B. Waltzek
Summary: Ranaviruses, large double-stranded DNA viruses, are increasingly being detected among aquacultured and wild fishes. Ranavirus disease outbreaks have resulted in significant economic losses in sturgeon hatcheries. Temperature manipulation may be an effective strategy to minimize ranavirus-associated disease.
DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Thomas B. Waltzek, Brian A. Stacy, Robert J. Ossiboff, Nicole I. Stacy, William A. Fraser, Annie Yan, Shipra Mohan, Eugene V. Koonin, Yuri I. Wolf, Thais C. S. Rodrigues, Pedro H. O. Viadanna, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Vsevolod L. Popov, Veronica Guzman-Vargas, Lisa A. Shender
Summary: A new virus affecting aquatic turtles in Florida has been discovered, causing neurological symptoms, oral and genital ulcers, and bacterial infections. The virus was isolated and its genome was sequenced, revealing similarities to arenaviruses. Phylogenetic analysis shows that its RNA polymerase gene is highly divergent from known negative-sense RNA viruses, while the glycoprotein precursor gene is closely related to hantaviruses in fish. This turtle virus may represent a new taxon of negative-sense RNA viruses, possibly at the family, order, or class level. This study is important for understanding the evolution and classification of aquatic turtle viruses.
Article
Microbiology
Rowan A. Basham, Jennifer Dill-Okubo, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Thomas B. Waltzek, Pedro H. O. Viadanna
Summary: The complete coding sequence of a rotavirus A strain from a dead racing pigeon in Florida was determined. It was found to be closely related to a rotavirus A strain isolated from a dead racing pigeon in California.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
John A. Lednicky, Kartikeya Cherabuddi, Massimiliano S. Tagliamonte, Maha A. Elbadry, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Thomas B. Waltzek, J. Glenn Morris
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 strain UF-8, isolated from a 78-year-old COVID-19 patient in March 2020, has a 12-nucleotide deletion within open reading frame 3a (ORF3a).
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2021)